Students in face masks queue in ‘Covid-esque’ scenes after two die in meningitis outbreak
A long queue of students for antibiotics has formed in “Covid-like” scenes after two people died following a meningitis outbreak in Kent.
The UK Health Safety Agency (UKHSA) said it was notified of 13 cases of bacterial infection with invasive meningococcal disease with signs and symptoms of meningitis and septicemia in the Canterbury region between Friday and Sunday.
A Year 13 pupil named Juliette, from Queen Elizabeth Grammar School in Faversham, and a University of Kent student, died following the outbreak.
Students spoke of their concerns as they queued for antibiotics at the university’s campus in Canterbury on Monday.
UKHSA worked with the university to provide letters to all 16,000 students advising on recent cases, signs and symptoms, how to obtain antibiotics and what to do if they feel unwell.
Not every student at the university will be given antibiotics, only those who are considered close contacts of those affected, such as those living in the same accommodation block.
The specific type of bacterial meningitis has not yet been identified, but several students were wearing face masks and staff distributed masks to those waiting.
Law student Millie Inglis, 21, said she received a message to collect antibiotics because someone in her dance class was “having some problems”.
He said: “We were quite shocked. It feels like it’s on repeat, a very Covid-like feeling.”
“As long as everyone is okay, I guess that’s the main thing. We’re just making sure it doesn’t get worse.”
Matthew McDonagh, 16, and his brother Luca, 17, were at a party in Whitstable, Kent, on Saturday when they said they, along with another person, had been diagnosed with the disease.
Luca, who is in Year 13, said no one in his year at Simon Langton Grammar School was allowed to attend classes.
He and his brother, who attends the same school, were told to come to the University of Kent to receive antibiotics as a precaution.
Matthew said: “It’s pretty scary… I can’t believe it. It’s just crazy.”
“This is absolutely incredible. I never thought this would happen again.” [after Covid].”
University spokesperson said Independent: “We recognize that this is a very distressing and worrying time for our community and we are doing everything we can to offer advice and support. “This is a regional public health matter and is not specific to the university.
“The response is being led by UKHSA and we are working with them and our partners as the situation arises. Known contacts of current cases in our community have been contacted and advised on next steps.
“Affected students are offered antibiotic treatment at our Canterbury campus. We have contacted all our students and staff to ensure they have the latest advice and support they need and will continue to update via email and social media.
“As a further precaution, there will be no face-to-face assessments or exams this week. Students have been contacted directly for details of alternative arrangements.”
The Canterbury nightclub is closing for the rest of the week after contacting the UKHSA to trace those who may be affected.
Louise Jones-Roberts, owner of Club Chemistry, said on Monday: “We were told there was someone at our club over the weekend who was diagnosed with meningitis.”
He said his thoughts are with the families of those affected by the meningitis outbreak.
“I was devastated,” he said. “I can’t even imagine what the families are going through.
“Our thoughts are with the families. Meningitis affects healthy young people and it is devastating.”
Faversham, headteacher of Queen Elizabeth’s Grammar School, paid tribute to Year 13 pupil Juliette, whom he described as “a much-loved and valued member of our school community”.
Amelia McIlroy said: “Juliette had been a student at our school for seven years. She was incredibly kind, thoughtful and intelligent, loved our school and was very happy here.”
Ms McIlroy added: “In short, she was a lovely girl; her beautiful smile, loving nature and sense of fun will be sorely missed. We are all devastated. Our love and thoughts are with her family and friends at this terrible time.”
“Our priority now is the safety and wellbeing of all members of our school community and we continue to work closely with UKHSA,” Ms McIlroy added.
It can cause serious illnesses such as meningitis, inflammation of the meninges and blood poisoning, which can quickly lead to sepsis.
Anyone can get meningitis, but it is most common in babies, children, teenagers and young adults, and can spread very quickly in places like universities and colleges.
Last year, mother Julia Styles asked people to get vaccinated against meningitis B infections in her speech. Independent It’s about losing his 19-year-old daughter, Emily Charlotte Styles, in 2014.
She was staying at her boyfriend’s house nearby and was airlifted to hospital in Oxford after collapsing when she tried to get out of bed.
Emily did not recover and died 12 hours later, in the early hours of New Year’s Day 2014, three months before her 20th birthday.
“It doesn’t make sense to me that people wouldn’t get a vaccine that could literally save him [Emily’s] life,” Ms. Styles said.
“They should definitely get these vaccines, especially now that they’re available. We had no choice with Emily,” he added.
